Grey Bark, Yellow Tulip
Drypetes lasiogyna

Family: Putranjivaceae

What it is like

A small to medium sized tree. The trunk is straight. There are often flanges or buttresses at the base. The bark is grey or brown and scaly. The crown is dense and dark green producing shade and shelter. The leaves are 2-10 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are bright green and glossy. The edges of the leaves are wavy and can be toothed. The young leaves have sharp teeth. The flowers are single, yellow and 0.4 cm across. They can occur in clusters in the axils of leaves. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. The female flowers tend to have longer stalks. The fruit is 1-2 cm long and bright red with yellow flesh around a seed.

There are about 200 Drypetes species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal rainforests. They need protection from hot sun when young. They suit well drained acid soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. The leaves are used as a cooking herb to improve the flavour of food.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed which must be sown fresh. Male and female trees are needed for fruit.

In Australia, fruit mature February to April.

Its other names

Local names

Anwurrbbu, Yimungkawawurdarra

Synonyms

Drypetes australasica (Muell. Arg.) Pax & Hoffm.;